NSCAD should remain independent: study

HALIFAX - The board of governors at Canada's oldest independent arts university says the school should remain autonomous rather than merging with other universities in Halifax.

The board of NSCAD University, formerly the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, says it considered a study into an affiliation with Dalhousie University or Saint Mary's University and concluded independence is its best option.

"We are hopeful that this decision puts to rest any further speculation of affiliation, consolidation or merger," NSCAD University president Daniel O'Brien said in a statement Wednesday.

The board has told management to abandon such plans and pursue collaborations with the two schools instead.

The 18-month study found NSCAD University is already collaborating with other post-secondary institutions for research, services and programming.

The consultants say any affiliation would not lead to savings and could actually cost more.

NSCAD University has struggled financially in recent years, an issue that originally prompted it to consider an affiliation. But the board said it has made progress on reducing its deficit and debt.